APTMA raises concerns over rising costs and export competitiveness in meeting with Finance Minister
A delegation of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), led by Chairman Kamran Arshad, on Wednesday met Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and briefed him on the challenges being faced by the export-oriented textile sector.
During the meeting, the APTMA delegation highlighted that national exports are facing intense competition in the global market, while the textile industry is under increasing pressure due to rising business costs. The association pointed out that high energy prices, taxation and regulatory costs were adversely affecting the competitiveness of Pakistani textile exports.
The delegation stressed the need for continuity and stability in government policies, stating that predictable and long-term measures were essential for sustaining exports and attracting investment.
Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the textile industry was the backbone of the country’s exports and a major source of employment. He assured the delegation that the government was committed to supporting the textile sector within the broader framework of ongoing economic reforms.
The finance minister said creating a conducive and fair business environment was a top priority of the government. He acknowledged that energy prices and availability remained critical issues for the textile sector and noted that various options to reduce energy costs were under active consideration.
Muhammad Aurangzeb added that the government aimed to enhance industrial competitiveness while maintaining fiscal discipline. He said reforms in the energy sector were being carried out in a balanced manner and that urgent industrial issues were being addressed on a priority basis.
He further stated that policy-related concerns would be resolved through the budgetary process and relevant institutional mechanisms.
Senior officials from the Power Division and the Ministry of Finance were also present at the meeting.